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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Otis

This heartwarming picture book about a friendly little tractor named Otis will become the favorite of any little boy (or girl). Who wouldn't love a story where the farm is a playground, the farm animals are friends, and last but not least, the main character is a personified tractor with a very expressive face?

Title:OtisAuthor/Illustrator: Loren LongPublisher: Philomel Books, 2009Fiction or non-Fiction: FictionAudience age: 4-8Theme: Friendship, Loyalty, Perseverance, Books for BoysOpening page:"There was once a friendly little tractor named Otis. Every day he and his farmer worked together taking care of the farm."

Synopsis: From author/illustrator Loren Long's website, "Otis is a special tractor. He loves his farmer and he loves to work. And he loves the little calf in the next stall, whom he purrs to sleep with his soft motor. In fact, the two become great friends: they play in the fields, leap hay bales, and play ring-around-the-rosy by Mud Pond.

But when Otis is replaced with the big yellow tractor, he is cast away behind the barn, unused, unnoticed . . . until the little calf gets stuck in Mud Pond. Then there is only one tractor—and it’s not big or yellow—who can come to the rescue. It is little old Otis who saves his friend. It is Otis who saves the day."

Why I like this book:This sweet story is well-written, with plenty of horseplay to keep young children --especially boys -- entertained. The illustrations are charming, a mix black and white with punches of color. The message of friendship is always a favorite of mine. And, who wouldn't love a book about a hero who is also an underdog?

Be sure to also check out the sequel, Otis and the Tornado, which was released September 2011.

I've seen this book on the shelf, but haven't read it. It sounds wonderful - vaguely reminiscent of Mike Mulligan, one of my all-time favorite books! Thanks so much for sharing it - I love getting books on the list that have boy appeal :)